Ecclesiastes 10:9

KJV

Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; [and] he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whoso removeth {H5265} stones {H68} shall be hurt {H6087} therewith; and he that cleaveth {H1234} wood {H6086} shall be endangered {H5533} thereby.

Complete Jewish Bible

He who quarries stones may get hurt by them, he who chops wood puts himself in danger.

Berean Standard Bible

The one who quarries stones may be injured by them, and he who splits logs endangers himself.

American Standard Version

Whoso heweth out stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood is endangered thereby.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 10:9 delivers a profound proverb illustrating the inherent risks and potential for harm associated with significant and demanding endeavors. Using the vivid imagery of manual labor—moving heavy stones and splitting tough wood—the Preacher (Qoheleth) conveys a universal truth: undertaking any substantial task, whether physical, intellectual, or spiritual, carries the possibility of encountering difficulty, injury, or unforeseen consequences. This verse serves as a sober reminder that life "under the sun" is fraught with challenges, and even necessary work can lead to pain or peril, urging a realistic and prudent approach to all human undertakings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 10 is situated within the broader discourse of Qoheleth, who is grappling with the complexities and often paradoxical nature of life "under the sun"—life observed from a human perspective, apart from direct divine revelation. This chapter specifically contrasts wisdom with folly, exploring how both manifest in daily life, governance, and the consequences of actions. Verse 9, with its practical examples of labor, fits seamlessly into this exploration by highlighting that even diligent work, typically associated with wisdom and productivity, is not immune to hardship or danger. It follows earlier warnings about the unpredictable nature of life (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 9:11](/ecclesiastes/9-11 "Ecclesiastes 9:11 - Time and Chance Happen to All")) and precedes further observations on the consequences of foolish leadership and irresponsible actions (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 10:16-19](/ecclesiastes/10-16 "Ecclesiastes 10:16-19 - Woes of a Childish King")). The verse underscores the Preacher's consistent theme that life is often "hevel" (vanity or vapor), full of uncertainties, even in seemingly straightforward tasks.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in most pre-industrial societies, physical labor was the bedrock of daily existence. Moving stones was essential for construction (houses, walls, terraces) and for clearing fields for agriculture. Quarrying stones was a laborious and dangerous task, often involving heavy lifting, primitive tools, and the risk of falling debris or muscle strain. Similarly, cleaving wood was vital for fuel, building materials, and tools. This involved axes or wedges, and the process was prone to splinters, axe slips, or the wood splitting unpredictably, causing injury. These were not merely abstract activities but fundamental, often hazardous, aspects of everyday life and economic survival. The imagery would have resonated deeply with an audience intimately familiar with the sweat, toil, and inherent dangers of such manual work, making the proverb immediately relatable and impactful, extending beyond the literal to broader life principles.
* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 10:9 contributes to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **the inherent risks and difficulties of life "under the sun."** Even productive and necessary labor is not without its perils, challenging any naive optimism about human effort. Secondly, it subtly touches on the theme of **the consequences of human action.** While not explicitly stating that harm is due to carelessness, it implies that engaging in significant tasks inevitably exposes one to potential negative outcomes, whether through accident, miscalculation, or the sheer difficulty of the work. This resonates with the broader biblical principle that actions have consequences, as seen in [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - Whoever digs a pit will fall into it"). Thirdly, the verse implicitly calls for **prudence and wisdom** in undertaking any venture. A wise person acknowledges these inherent dangers and proceeds with caution, preparation, and realistic expectations, contrasting with the fool who might rush in carelessly, oblivious to potential harm, a distinction central to Qoheleth's message throughout [Ecclesiastes 7](/ecclesiastes/7 "Ecclesiastes 7 - Wisdom and Folly Contrasted").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **removeth (Hebrew, _nâçaʻ'_ H5265):** This primitive root primarily means "to pull up," especially tent-pins, signifying the act of starting a journey or moving something from its place. In the context of "removeth stones," it denotes the strenuous and potentially dangerous act of dislodging, lifting, and transporting heavy stones, whether for clearing land, quarrying, or construction. The word emphasizes the physical effort involved in displacing something firmly set.
* **hurt (Hebrew, _ʻâtsab'_ H6087):** This primitive root carries the meaning of "to carve" or "fabricate," but more commonly, in a negative sense, "to worry," "pain," or "anger." Here, it refers to the physical or emotional distress, injury, or vexation that results from the strenuous and risky act of moving stones. It suggests a consequence that causes pain or sorrow, highlighting the negative outcome of engaging in such difficult labor.
* **endangered (Hebrew, _çâkan'_ H5533):** Likely a denominative from a word meaning "knife," this root properly means "to cut" or "damage." It extends to "impoverish" or "endanger." In this verse, it vividly describes being exposed to peril or risk. When cleaving wood, one is "endangered" by the possibility of the axe slipping, splinters flying, or the wood snapping back, leading to injury or harm. The term underscores the precariousness and vulnerability inherent in the task.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith":** This clause describes the first arduous task and its direct consequence. "Removeth stones" refers to the difficult and often physically demanding work of dislodging, lifting, and transporting heavy stones, whether for clearing land, quarrying, or building. This labor, by its very nature, carries a high risk of physical injury, such as strains, cuts, or crushing. The phrase "shall be hurt therewith" indicates that pain, injury, or vexation is an almost inevitable outcome or risk associated with such a demanding and potentially dangerous undertaking. It highlights the direct, often painful, repercussions of engaging in difficult physical tasks.
* **"and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby":** This second clause presents a parallel scenario, reinforcing the same principle. "Cleaveth wood" refers to the act of splitting timber, typically with an axe or wedge. This task, while common, is also inherently hazardous, prone to accidents like axe slips, flying splinters, or the wood unexpectedly resisting or springing back. The phrase "shall be endangered thereby" emphasizes that the person performing this task is exposed to peril or risk. It suggests a state of vulnerability to harm, underscoring that even necessary and productive labor can place one in a precarious position where injury is a real possibility.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 10:9 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Parallelism** is evident in the two balanced clauses, "Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the core idea through repetition with different but analogous examples, emphasizing the universality of the principle. **Metonymy** is present as "stones" and "wood" stand for the arduous and risky tasks themselves, rather than just the materials. They represent the broader categories of demanding labor. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Proverbial Wisdom** statement, using concrete, observable realities of daily life to illustrate a deeper, abstract truth about the consequences and risks inherent in all significant human endeavors. The imagery is also **Symbolic**, where the physical dangers of ancient labor symbolize the broader challenges, setbacks, and potential "hurts" one might encounter when undertaking any substantial project or responsibility in life, whether physical, intellectual, or spiritual.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while seemingly mundane, carries significant theological weight, reflecting the Preacher's realistic assessment of life under the curse of sin. It underscores the biblical truth that labor, even when necessary and good, is often accompanied by toil and struggle, a direct consequence of the Fall (as seen in [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse on the Ground")). It reminds us that our world is broken, and even our most diligent efforts are not immune to pain, frustration, or unforeseen dangers. The verse implicitly teaches prudence and the wisdom of acknowledging the inherent risks in any undertaking, rather than approaching life with naive optimism. It aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on the principle of sowing and reaping, where actions, even well-intentioned ones, can have unintended or difficult consequences, urging us to consider the potential outcomes of our endeavors and to proceed with both diligence and discernment.

* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")
* [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - Whoever digs a pit will fall into it")
* [Proverbs 14:23](/proverbs/14-23 "Proverbs 14:23 - In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 10:9 offers a timeless principle that transcends its ancient agricultural and construction context, speaking powerfully to every area of human endeavor. It reminds us that significant undertakings, whether in our careers, relationships, personal growth, or spiritual disciplines, are rarely without their challenges and potential for "hurt" or "endangerment." This isn't a call to paralysis or fear, but rather to a sober realism. Wisdom dictates that we acknowledge the inherent risks, prepare diligently, and proceed with caution and foresight. Just as a laborer assesses the stone or wood before striking, we are called to evaluate the potential difficulties and consequences of our actions. This verse encourages resilience, teaching us that setbacks, frustrations, or even pain are not necessarily signs of failure but often an intrinsic part of the process of building, creating, or achieving anything of substance. It fosters a humble recognition of our limitations and the unpredictable nature of life, prompting us to rely not solely on our strength but also on divine wisdom as we navigate the demanding tasks before us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "stones" or "wood" are you currently trying to move or cleave in your life (e.g., a difficult project, a challenging relationship, a personal habit)?**
* **How have you experienced "hurt" or "endangerment" in past significant endeavors, and what did you learn from those experiences?**
* **In what ways does this verse encourage both diligence and prudence in your approach to new challenges?**
* **How can acknowledging the inherent risks of life's tasks lead to greater resilience and a more realistic faith?**

### FAQ
**Is this verse discouraging hard work or ambition?**

Answer: No, Ecclesiastes 10:9 is not discouraging hard work or ambition. Instead, it offers a realistic perspective on the nature of significant endeavors. The Preacher is not telling us to avoid moving stones or cleaving wood, as these were essential tasks for survival and progress in ancient society. Rather, he is highlighting that such tasks, by their very nature, carry inherent risks and potential for harm. The wisdom lies in understanding and acknowledging these dangers, approaching them with prudence and foresight, rather than naive optimism. It encourages diligence tempered with a sober awareness of the challenges and potential "hurts" that may arise. This perspective fosters resilience and a realistic outlook on life's demanding journey, aligning with the Preacher's overall message about living wisely "under the sun" (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 9:10](/ecclesiastes/9-10 "Ecclesiastes 9:10 - Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might")).

**How does this ancient proverb apply to modern life, beyond physical labor?**

Answer: The principle of Ecclesiastes 10:9 extends far beyond ancient physical labor to encompass all significant undertakings in modern life. "Moving stones" can symbolize any large, difficult, or complex project, such as starting a business, navigating a challenging career path, raising a family, pursuing higher education, or engaging in demanding ministry. "Cleaving wood" represents tasks that require precision, force, or carry inherent risks, like making difficult ethical decisions, confronting conflict, or taking a stand for one's convictions. In each of these, there is potential for "hurt" (emotional pain, financial loss, relational strain, burnout) or "endangerment" (reputational risk, personal sacrifice, unforeseen obstacles). The verse serves as a timeless reminder that all meaningful endeavors come with potential pitfalls, urging us to approach them with wisdom, careful planning, and a realistic expectation of challenges, rather than being caught off guard by adversity.

**Does "hurt" or "endangered" only refer to physical harm in this context?**

Answer: While the immediate context of "moving stones" and "cleaving wood" certainly implies physical harm, the Preacher's wisdom literature often uses concrete examples to illustrate broader, more abstract truths. Therefore, "hurt" (Hebrew: *ʻâtsab*, which can mean pain, sorrow, or vexation) and "endangered" (Hebrew: *çâkan*, to be exposed to peril or damage) should be understood to include not only physical injury but also emotional, psychological, or even financial setbacks. In a broader sense, undertaking any significant task in life can lead to disappointment, frustration, relational strain, professional failure, or a sense of being overwhelmed. The verse speaks to the universal experience of encountering adversity, pain, or risk when engaging in demanding work or pursuing ambitious goals, whether the "hurt" is a strained back or a broken heart.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 10:9, with its stark realism about the inherent dangers of labor, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse highlights the painful reality that "whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith," Christ is the one who took upon Himself the ultimate burden and bore the ultimate "hurt" for humanity. He came not to avoid the difficult work but to undertake the most perilous task imaginable: removing the stone of sin that separated humanity from God. In His life, Jesus perfectly embodied wisdom, understanding the immense cost of His mission, yet willingly embracing it. He was "hurt" in the deepest sense, enduring suffering, rejection, and ultimately, the agony of the cross, where He became sin for us (as described in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He "cleaved" the power of sin and death, not without being "endangered" and suffering the full weight of God's wrath, yet emerging victorious. Through His sacrifice, Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened by the "stones" and "wood" of life's toil to come to Him, promising rest for their souls, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to the Weary")). He is the true wisdom of God, who, unlike the laborer who is hurt by his work, transforms our hurts into healing and our endangerment into eternal security, having fully absorbed the consequences of our fallen world on the cross ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.